Harley-davidson Motorcycle History: History of Harley-davidson Harley-Davidson / Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces a line of sport motorcycles. 1870 Birth of William A. Davidson, Milwaukee, WI. 1876 Birth of Walter Davidson, Milwaukee, WI. 1880 Birth of William S. Harley, Milwaukee, WI. As he was born just after Christmas, his parents gave him the middle name “Sylvester.” 1881 Birth of Arthur Davidson, Milwaukee, WI. 1901 William S. Harley, aged 21, completes a blueprint for an engine designed to fit into a bicycle. 1903 Harley and Arthur Davidson build the first production Harley-Davidson in 1903.

It features a 3-1/8-inch bore and a 3-1/2-inch stroke yielding 7.07 cubic inches (116cc). They make a more powerful motor with the assistance of Ole Evinrude – better known as the inventor of the outboard motor. It is designed for use on the wooden velodromes where popular bicycle races are held. Harley and Davidson work in a 10 x 15-foot shed on Chestnut Street (later renamed Juneau Avenue) which is still the address of Harley-Davidson’s head office. 1904 The first Harley-Davidson dealer, C.H. Lang of Chicago, opens for business. 1906 A new 28 by 80-foot factory is built on Chestnut Street. The company has grown to have six employees. It produces its first catalog, and coins the nickname “Silent Gray Fellows.” It’s a reference to the fact that the bikes were painted dove gray, and that they were quietly reliable. (Evidently, the company’s founders were unaware that loud pipes save lives.) 1907 William A. Davidson joins the firm.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is incorporated, with stock shared by the Harley and the three Davidson brothers. 1908 Walter Davidson scores a perfect 1,000 points at the 7th Annual Federation of American Motorcyclists Endurance and Reliability Contest. Three days after the contest, Walter sets the FAM economy record at 188.234 miles per gallon. Perhaps impressed with that reliability, Detroit becomes the first city to buy a H-D motorcycle for police use. 1909 “The Motor Company” makes its first V-Twin. It has a displacement of 49.5 cubic inches and produces seven horsepower. 1910 The ‘Bar & Shield’ logo is used for the first time in 1910 and was trademarked one year later. 1911 The ‘F-head’ single-cylinder engine is introduced and will remain in use until 1929. (This is not a reference to “Hey, f-head!” it’s a reference to the shape of the valve ports.) It is an inlet-over-exhaust design, with an overhead intake valve (in the head like a modern motor) but a “side” exhaust valve which is in the cylinder.

1912 Harley-Davidson begins exporting motorcycles to Japan. Construction begins on a six-storey headquarters. The Parts and Accessories Dept. is formed. The company has more than 200 dealers across America. 1913 The Racing Department is formed, under the control of Bill Harley. 1914 Sidecars are made available. Some models are briefly available with a two-speed transmission in the rear hub. Also, belts go out of fashion – for the moment. Harley-Davidson is one of the last motorcycle manufacturers to switch from leather drive belts to chains. The leather belts slipped, stretched and rotted, so chains are a big improvement. 1915 H-D motorcycles become available with three-speed sliding-gear transmissions with final and primary drive on the same side. 1916 The Enthusiast magazine is published for the first time. 1917 About a third of the company’s production is purchased by the Army. To train Army mechanics, the company starts the Quartermasters School. After the war, it will be retained as the Service School, providing factory-trained mechanics for dealers. 1918 Almost half of all H-D motorcycles produced are sold for use by the U.S.

military in World War I. After Armistice is signed, Corporal Roy Holtz becomes the first American soldier to enter Germany. He does so on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 1919 The 37-cubic-inch Sport model is introduced. It’s a horizontally-opposed, fore-and-aft V-Twin. 1920 Now the largest motorcycle manufacturer, H-D boasts over 2,000 dealers in 67 countries. The factory racing team, already known as “The Wrecking Crew” because it’s become so dominant in American racing, has a small pig as a mascot. The bikes are nicknamed “hogs” as a result. 1925 The company adopts teardrop-shaped gas tanks (previously they were flat-topped) that give its machines a very distinct look. Joe Petrali becomes one of the first salaried “factory racers.” 1926 Single-cylinder motorcycles are sold first time since 1918. Models A, AA, B and BA are available in side-valve and overhead-valve engine configurations. 1928 The first two-cam engine is made available on the JD series motorcycles.

The bike can reach a top speed between 85 and 100 mph. Luckily, this year all H-D models are also available with a brake on the front wheel. Surprisingly few Harley-Davidson riders use them, even to this day. 1929 The D model is introduced with a rugged, 45-cubic-inch flathead V-Twin engine. The “Flathead” motor will be sold in various guises for over 40 years. The stock-market crash heralds the Great Depression. In 1929, the company sells 21,000 motorcycles. It’s the strongest of the dozens – if not hundreds – of motorcycle brands that were launched in the first three decades of the century; only a handful will survive into the fourth. 1932 The three-wheeled Servi-car begins its 41-year run. (Sure they were used to deliver great corned-beef sandwiches, but they were also used by the guys who wrote 410,000,000 parking tickets, too.) In racing, Joe Petrali begins a string of five consecutive national championships in dirt track, as well as four consecutive hill-climb titles.

(In those years, the championship was decided in a single race.) 1933 The company sells only 4,000 motorcycles this year. To reduce costs for competitors, the AMA creates a new racing class, Class C, based on production equipment and allowing for limited modifications. Although the original, prototype-based Class A persists, the AMA emphasizes the new class. Purists resent the change. 1935 Alfred Child, the company’s agent in Asia, realizes that currency exchange rates are killing sales in Japan. He convinces the company to license production of its motorcycles in Japan. The Sankyo Seiyakyo Corporation purchases tooling and begins producing Harley “clones”. They are sold under the name Rikuo, which means “King of the Road.” 1936 Introduction of the EL, an overhead valve, 61-cubic-inch-powered bike, which earns the nickname of ‘Knucklehead’ because of the shape of its rocker-boxes. The company also introduces an 80-cubic-inch side-valve engine. 1937 Petrali sets a land-speed record of over 136 mph with a streamlined Knucklehead. The first WL models are produced. William A.

Davidson dies, two days after signing an agreement that makes the company a union shop. 1938 Ben Campanale wins the Daytona 200 on a 45 cubic-inch WLDR. The race was run on the 3.2-mile beach course. The Jackpine Gypsies hold the first Black Hills rally in Sturgis. 1941 United States enters World War II. The production of civilian motorcycles is almost entirely stopped. 1942 When U.S. soldiers capture their first “Wehrmacht”-issue motorcycles in North Africa, they find that the BMWs and Zundapps are better suited to tough military duty. Harley-Davidson and Indian each develop about 1,000 machines for evaluation, with shaft drives and Flat-Twin motors copied from the Germans. They are never widely issued, though the machines cost Uncle Sam a whopping $35,000 each. Walter Davidson dies. 1943 William S. Harley dies. 1945 The war finally ends. Between 1941-45 the company produced almost 90,000 WLA models for military use.

1946 The 45 cubic-inch, flathead, WR production racer is made. It conforms to stricter Class C AMA rules, which are intended to reduce costs for competitors. It’s a flathead, because in Class C, flatheads are allowed to displace 750cc, while OHV motors are limited to 500cc. 1948 The company’s 61 and 74 c.i. OHV engines are updated with aluminum heads and hydraulic valve lifters. Also new are the one-piece rocker covers, which resemble cake pans, earning the motor the nickname ‘Panhead.’ As part of Germany’s war reparations, the Allies loot German patents. The fine, small two-stroke motors built by DKW (seen in that company’s popular RT125) are copied by BSA (the Bantam) and Harley-Davidson, which produces the model S that will come to be known as the Hummer. 1949 Hydraulic front forks make their first appearance on the new Hydra-Glide models. 1950 Arthur Davidson dies.

1952 Returning servicemen seem to favor the lighter British Twins they saw “over there.” In response, Harley-Davidson creates the 45 c.i. side-valve K model. It’s a unit-construction motor – the crankcases and gearbox are one set of castings. 1953 Indian goes into its long, painful death throes. H-D, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year will be only real motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S. for the rest of the century. The aging WR and WRTT production racers are no match for the British 500s now invading the dirt tracks (and few road courses) of America. The H-D racing department counters with a new racer, the KR. Like the WR, it is a 750cc flat-head. 1955 The new KR begins a run of seven consecutive Daytona 200 victories, which will include the last race run on the old beach course and first one run at the new Daytona International Speedway. 1957 The Sportster is introduced. It is basically a larger-displacement version of the K motor, fitted with an OHV head.

At 55 c.i., it offers performance to rival anything coming out of England (at least, anything coming out of England without a “Vincent” tank badge.) has a 55 cubic-inch overhead-valve engine. 1958 Hydraulic rear suspensions appear on the Duo-Glide. 1960 Harley-Davidson acknowledges the market potential of smaller machines. The company makes its first and only scooter, the Topper. It also purchases a half-interest in the Italian company Aermacchi, which produces fast and stylish single-cylinder machines of up to 350cc. Brad Andres wins the last Daytona 200 run on the sand. 2nd through 13th (no, not 3rd, 13th) places all go to riders on KRs. 1961 The first Aermacchi design to reach America is the Harley-Davidson Sprint. Short-track racers are quick to realize that its good power and low center of gravity make it a winner. 1962 Harley-Davidson acquires the Tomahawk boat company and starts to learn about the uses of fiberglass.

1964 The humble Servi-Car is the first of the company’s machines to be fitted with an electric starter. 1965 The Duo-Glide and is fitted with an electric starter, and thus becomes the Electra-Glide. 1966 Riders clamoring for more power cause the company to update the old Panhead motor. The new engine has rocker boxes that resemble coal shovels. Hence, the new mill gets the nickname “Shovelhead.” This basic motor will remain in production for 20 years. 1968 After years of increasingly vociferous lobbying, the import manufacturers convince the AMA rules committee that the 250cc displacement advantage given to flathead motors is unfair. The AMA declares that, in the future, bikes with overhead valves (all the British and Japanese models) can also displace up to 750cc. Harley-Davidson lobbies to delay the implementation of the new rule for one more season. 1969 Although Harley-Davidson stock is publicly traded, it is still a relatively closely held corporation.

The shareholders – perhaps sensing that the “Japanese invasion” is about to open a new front in the heavyweight category, with the Honda CB750 Four – sell the company to the American Machine and Foundry Company. AMF has hitherto been known to the American consumer as a maker of bowling balls, but it is in fact a large, diversified manufacturer. AMF could have risen to the challenge presented by the sophisticated and comparatively affordable Honda. Instead, AMF’s managers roll a real gutter-ball. Harley-Davidson quality plummets. Before long, dealers are forced to rebuild motors under warranty and magazines are brutally critical of test bikes. Used Harleys are described as “pre-AMF” in classified ads. 1970 The racing department creates a new production racer, the XR-750. The motor is basically a destroked Sportster unit. It gets off to an inauspicious start; none of the factory entries reach the finish in the Daytona 200. The first Harley across the line is an ancient KRTT, ridden by Walt Fulton III.

1971 By mating the spare front end of the XL series with the frame and motor of the FL series, the company creates the first cruiser – the FX 1200 Super Glide. 1973 A new assembly plant is opened in York, PA. 1977 Although most Harley fans would rather forget the years in which the company was owned by AMF, there is one AMF-era bike that’s highly sought-after by collectors: the 1977 XLCR. That “CR” stands for Café Racer and the bike was only the second major project for Willie G. Davidson (the grandson of one of the founders.) While the model is prized now, it was rejected by Harley customers in 1977. Only 3,100 were sold and the model was dropped a year later – although dealers still had unsold XLCRs cluttering their showroom floors well into the ’80s. The FXS Low Rider is also introduced this year. 1979 The FXEF “Fat Bob” is introduced. It’s called fat because of its dual gas tanks, and bob on account of its bobbed fenders. 1980 The FLT is introduced.

It has rubber-isolated drivetrain and an engine and five-speed transmission which are hard bolted together. Belts come back into fashion: a Kevlar belt replaces the chain as the final drive on some models. The FXB Sturgis, featuring an 80 cubic-inch engine, and FXWB Wide Glide are introduced. 1981 After years of AMF mismanagement, Harley-Davidson has lost almost all customer loyalty and profits are in freefall. When a group of company executives led by Vaughn Beals offers to buy the division for $75 million, AMF quickly agrees. Beals leads an amazing corporate turnaround. He funds new product development and implements world-class quality control. It’s impossible to know what would have happened to the H-D brand if Beals had not risen up to save it, but it’s certain that no one else could have done a better job at rehabilitating it. 1982 The FXR/FXRS Super Glide II are introduced, featuring a rubber-isolated, five-speed powertrain. The company adopts a just-in-time inventory system on the manufacturing side, which helps to lower cost and improve quality. 1983 The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is formed.

The company petitions the International Trade Commission (a branch of the U.S. federal government) to impose a tariff on Japanese motorcycles of over 700cc. As a result, many Japanese motorcycles that are sold as 750cc models in the rest of the world are sleeved-down to 700cc for the U.S. market. 1984 The 1340cc V2 Evolution engine appears on five models. Although it’s been in development since the AMF era, the motor proves the newly independent company has turned the corner in terms of build quality. It is far more reliable and oil-tight. The Softail, which features concealed rear suspension and evokes the rigid-framed hogs of 30 or 40 years ago, meets with commercial success. 1986 Harley-Davidson diversifies with the acquisition of the Holiday Rambler motorhome company. 1987 The company makes its Initial Public Offering. Stock is traded on the NYSE, with the ticker symbol of HOG. The company petitions the ITC to relax the tariff on imported motorcycles, a year before it was scheduled to lapse.

The move serves notice that Harley-Davidson is capable of competing on a level playing field, despite the fact that the Japanese companies now all make V-Twin cruisers that compete directly with the American offerings. 1988 Exploiting customers’ love of traditional styling, the Springer front end returns on the FXSTS Springer Softail. 1990 Introduction of the FLSTF Fat Boy. 1991 Introduction of the first motorcycle in the Dyna line, the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis. 1992 Harley-Davidson is the first company to equip all its models (except for a handful of racing motorcycles) with drive belts. Modern drive belts provide a smoother ride than chains, last longer, and free riders from the drudgery of chain lubrication and adjustment. 1993 H-D buys a minority interest in the Buell Motorcycle Company. 1994 The company enters the AMA Superbike Championship, fielding the water-cooled, DOHC VR1000.

AMA rules specified that the company had to also build and sell 2,000 machines for road use, a process is called “homologation.” So, you may wonder, why have you never seen a road-going VR1000 if 2000 were sold? Because the model was homologated in Poland. By selling it there, Harley avoided U.S. liability and Poland’s lax laws allowed the barely-modified race bike to be legally licensed. Despite being ably ridden by Miguel Duhamel, Pascal Picotte, Chris Carr and Scott Russell, the VR1000 will never win an AMA race. 1995 Harley-Davidsons are equipped with fuel injection for the first time. 1996 Sales of parts and accessories are an increasingly important part of the business – a fact reflected in the new, 250,000 sq. ft. facility the company opens in Franklin, WI. 1997 A new 217,000 sq.-ft. design center opens in Milwaukee. FL engine production moves to a newly purchased plant in Menomonee Falls. A new 330,000 sq. ft.

plant in Kansas City takes over the production of Sportsters. 1998 The company opens its first foreign factory in Manaus, Brazil. The remaining shares of Buell are also acquired. 1999 The Touring and Dyna lines receive the new Twin Cam 88. 2000 Despite spending tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees in the mid-’90s – and having initial success in its efforts to trademark the “potato-potato” sound of Harley motors – the company drops its U.S. Patent Office application. Harley-Davidson’s vice president of marketing, Joanne Bischmann, tells reporters, “I’ve personally spoken with Harley-Davidson owners from around the world and they’ve told me repeatedly that there is nothing like the sound of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. If our customers know the sound cannot be imitated, that’s good enough for me and for Harley-Davidson.” 2001 The VRSCA V-Rod is introduced. The motor – which was designed with input from Porsche – is fuel injected, has overhead cams, and liquid cooling.

2003 It is estimated that 250,000 people come to Milwaukee to celebrate The Motor Company’s 100th anniversary. 2006 Fittingly, the ’06 model-year Dyna motorcycles come with six-speed transmissions. The company announces a major new museum, scheduled to open in Milwaukee in 2008. 2007 Harley upgrades its Big Twin motor, stroking it out to 96 cubic inches and earning the moniker “Twin Cam 96.” The six-speed transmission from the Dyna line is added across the board. 2008 The Motor Company opens its impressive new museum in time for Harley’s 105th anniversary. Purchases MV Agusta for $109 million in an attempt to take advantage of MV’s european distribution channels. Introduces the XR1200, inspired by the XR750 flat track machine used to win countless championships. The XR1200 represents the first time H-D designed and marketed a motorcycle exclusively for the European market. Later, after demand from this side of the pond, the XR1200 is then sold worldwide.

2009 Keith Wandell becomes the first person since 1981 to become CEO of Harley-Davidson who hadn’t had any previous connections to The Motor Company. Due to the economic recession, Harley-Davidson discontinues the Buell line and puts up MV Agusta for sale to focus on core business. This after The Motor Company declared profits dropped 84-percent since the previous year. Announces plan to enter the rapidly expanding Indian market. 2010 In a throwback to the 883 series, AMA Pro Racing, along with title sponsor Vance & Hines, debuts the inaugural XR1200 series. Modifications are limited and place emphasis on rider talent. Danny Eslick wins the championship in its first year. Harley-Davidson Timeline 1960s | Harley-Davidson USA Aermacchi Harley-Davidson logo Poster The Harley-Davidson Topper motor scooter is introduced and is the only scooter platform the Motor Company ever produced. Harley-Davidson purchases a half interest in Aeronatica-Macchi, forming Aermacchi Harley-Davidson, a European division that will produce small, single cylinder motorcycles.

In this year of Brad Andres' 1st place finish at the Daytona 200, the top 14 finishers are also riding Harley-Davidson 750 KR models. 1961 Sprint models on assembly line, Varese, Italy factory Introduction of the Sprint model. 1962 Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company Harley-Davidson purchases 60 percent of the stock in the Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company. H-D recognizes the rising relevance of fiberglass in motorcycle production, and begins manufacturing its own components. As a result, the Tomahawk Division is established and is operational as a Harley-Davidson facility by 1963. 1963 Daytona Ralph White resumes the winning of the Daytona 200 for Harley-Davidson, again on a 750 KR motorcycle. 1964 Roger Reiman Police Servi-Car Roger Reiman wins the AMA Grand National Championship for Harley-Davidson. Reiman also scores the first of back-to-back Daytona 200 victories on a 750 KR. The three-wheeled Servi-Car becomes the very first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to receive an electric starter.

1965 George Roeder Bart Markel The Electra-Glide�� replaces the Duo-Glide and is updated with electric starter. The Electra-Glide is the first FL available with electric start, and the Sportster�� line would receive electric starters soon after. In a Streamliner powered by a 250cc Sprint CR racing engine, George Roeder shatters the speed records for Class A and Class C runs, averaging 177 miles per hour. Harley-Davidson dirt track racer Bart Markel wins the AMA Grand National Championship in 1965 and 1966. 1966 The first of the "Shovelhead" engines is introduced on the Electra-Glide models, replacing the Panhead. 1968 KR 750 model Cal Rayborn wins the first of back-to-back victories at the Daytona 200 on a 750 KR model. 1969 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles - Motorcycle USA Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Home Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Harley-Davidson Motorcycles is the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded out of a small shed in 1903 by William S.

Harley and brothers Arthur and Walter Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Motor Company produces traditional cruiser motorcycles utilizing air-cooled 45-degree V-Twin engines. Popular models include the Sportster, Road King, Electra Glide, Dyna Glide and Softail. Harley-Davidson also produces a liquid-cooled Twin with its V-Rod lineup. HARLEY DAVIDSON models & history - autoevolution autoevolution 16 discontinued history Harley-Davidson is probably the most famous motorcycle manufacturer in the world and is based in the United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Even tough they consider 1903 as their starting year, they could just as well consider 1901, because it was then when Bill Harley completed the first blueprint of a Harley engine. In 1903, the same Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson revealed their first motorized effort, calling it the first Harley motorcycle. It was a racing bike, built in a wood shed that had Harley-Davidson Motor Company scrawled on it. That same year, Arthur's brother - Walter Davidson - joined the company.

In a very short time, the first Harley-Davidson dealer opens shop (1904) and manages to sell three Harley bikes. In true American style, a Harley model wins a 15 mile race in Chicago in 1905 and the same year Harley Motor Company hires its first employee. A year later, they open up a bigger factory and hire five more people. The same year (1906), they produce the first motorcycle catalog in the world. In 1909, Harley-Davidson introduces its first V-twin bike with an 1000cc engine which developed 7 horsepower and three years later the Bar & Shield logo is used for the first time and patented as a trademark. The construction of the main factory building and what was to become the six stories headquarters of Harley-Davidson starts in 1912, facility located on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee. The same year, the company starts exports to Japan and the US dealer network extends to 200 branches. 1913 sees the founding of the Harley-Davidson racing department and one year later the company releases sidecars.

Harley was becoming very successful, its contract with the US military being one of the reasons. By the time 1917 came, one third of all Harley Davidson production went to the US army and the same year the sale of Harley-Davidson bicycles. After almost 20 years of existence, Harley Davidson becomes the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world as their models can be purchased in 67 countries worldwide by 1920. Eight later, in 1928, the public sees for the first time two cam engines on the JD series models, which can reach speeds up to 100 mph at the same time providing front wheel brakes for all their bikes. An important moment in Harley history comes in 1929 when the 45 cubic inch V-twin engine (also known as flathead) is made available on the D model. In 1936, Harley-Davidson introduces the EL model which had a 61cc engine and was later nicknamed Knucklehead and used a year later (1937) by Joe Petrali to set a new land speed record of 136.183 mph.

He did not use the stock version, he altered it a little bit in order to set the new speed record. The same year, the production of the first WL models begins. In 1941 America joins World War II and Harley stops making civilian bikes and focuses all its efforts on vehicles for the military. During the second World War which ends in 1945 Harley made a lot of new models for the army, but the most successful army model was the WLA, Harley producing almost 90,000 units. In 1946 the 45ci flathead WR racing motorcycle is introduced and one year Jimmy Chann wins the first of three consecutive AMA Grand National Championships. 1953 means that Harley-Davidson celebrates its 50th anniversary and in 1957 they introduce the Sportster, one of the Harley legends. A little known fact, Harley-Davidson also produced scooter called Topper in 1960, but that was their first attempt in this regard. The same year, the company buys half on Aeronatica-Macchi, which will later produce single cylinder bikes.

In 1961 the Sprint model is introduced and in 1962 Harley buys 60% of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company and starts making fiberglass components there. The first FL available with electric start is Electra-Glide in 1965 and the Sportster model also receives an electric starter. In 1969 Harley-Davidson and American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF) merge and a few years later (1971) the FX 1200 Super Glide is introduced, a combination between the XL and the FL series. In the same year, the first Harley-Davidson snowmobile is produced and a year later the aluminium allow XR-750 is made available. In 1977, Harley presents to the public the FXS Low Rider, an unique vehicle which had drag style handlebars and a very low position of the seat. FXEF Fat Bob is introduced in 1979, a bike nicknamed Fat because of its dual gas tanks and in 1980 another model called FXWG Wide Glide is released.

In 1982 it is the perfect time for a new model, the FXR/FXRS Super Glide II and in 1983 the Harley Owners Group is founded. This club is for all Harley-Davidson bikes owners around the world and grows extremely quick, reaching more than 90,000 members in just six years. 1984 is an important year in Harley history as they unveil a new engine, the 1340cc V Evolution present at that time on five of their models. This is the result of seven years of development, but one model equipped with this engine stands out, the Softail. Two years later, Softail is updated and dubbed Heritage Softail at the same time the company is listed on the American Stock Exchange. In 1987, Harley Davidson starts the Buy Back Program for the XLH 883 Sportster model. Through this program, those who owned such a model could trade it for two years for its full value, or they could choose a FL or FX model.

The FLSTF Fat Boy is introduced in 1990 and in 1991 the Dyna line of motorcycles makes it debut with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis. In 1993, 90 years of Harley-Davidson history are celebrated by 100,000 people riding in a parade in Milwaukee. This thing is called the Family Reunion. One year after their 90 years anniversary, in 1994, Harley enters Superbike racing as they introduce the VR100, but two years later (1996) a new Parts and Accessories Distribution Center is opened in Franklin, a place which will be used later on to store all inventory. The new facility has over 250,000 square feet. At Harley's 95 years anniversary (1998) even more bikers show up, some 140,000 and they ride the streets of Milwaukee as a tribute to the manufacturer. The same year, Harley-Davidson opens its first operations outside the US, in Manaus, Brazil.

The first bike presented in the new century (2000) is the FXSTD Softail Deuce and fuel injection is unveiled on the 2001 Softail line. In 2001 the VRSCA V-Rod is presented, a bike inspired by the VR-1000 motorcycle and one year later (2002) the Buell Firebolt makes its way onto the stage. In 2003, Harley celebrates 100 years of existence and the city of Milwaukee welcomes more than 250,000 people as the final stop of the Open Road Tour. The latest model from Harley-Davidson is the FLHZ/I Street Glide, a lower profile touring motorcycle in 2006. In the same year Beijing Feng Huo Lun becomes the first authorized Harley dealer in China. expand 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU - Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Farmington Hills MI - - Cycletrader.com See More Info: View Website Description & Comments 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU - Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Join the Motor City Family Today!!!!

2014 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® Ultra Classic® When you set out to improve the most respected touring machine on earth, you don't take short cuts and you sure as hell don't accept any limits. The 2014 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® Ultra Classic® model FLHTC is a great touring motorcycle for your long distance trips. As part of Project Rushmore the Harley® Ultra Classic® model has been redesigned for 2014 and features a new air-cooled high output Twin Cam 103 Harley® engine with more low-end torque and passing power. It''s mated to a smooth-shifting 6 speed cruise drive transmission for low rpm at highway speeds. For 2014, the Ultra Classic® has improved room and touring comfort for the passenger and redesigned the iconic batwing fairing to reduce head buffeting. Key Features May Include: Project RUSHMORE - Engine As every rider knows, the engine is at the heart of the experience of riding a motorcycle. The amount of torque and horsepower it delivers over the RPM range is in direct proportion to the feeling it gives you when you roll on the throttle.

We know what riders want from a motorcycle engine because we ve been building them for 110 years. Project RUSHMORE gave us the opportunity to dial it in just right. We conducted thousands of road tests with real riders giving us feedback to build the next iteration of the legendary Harley-Davidson® engine. New Boom! Box 4.3 Radio Let s start with the big news: 25% more volume for your tunes. The new Boom! Box 4.3 Radio puts out 25 watts per channel at 1% distortion and features a factory-tuned, optimized equalizer that pumps out more power and can be played louder while maintaining the clarity of your sound. And the new speed tuning system delivers more than just volume changes at different speeds. Project RUSHMORE - Confidence Here are some of the innovations The Rider Project led to: the new Reflex Linked Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System. New dual halogen and LED headlamps and fog lamps, brighter Tour-Pak® lighting, brighter turn signals, brighter brake lights, and a new steering head with stiffer front forks. Locked-up tires are now history even when there s wet pavement. We ve made it feel even better to lean your way through a turn.

Project RUSHMORE - Styling Project RUSHMORE is the journey we set out on to take our touring motorcycles to places never imagined before to turn all the possibilities for what a motorcycle can be now into true Milwaukee steel. We did it our way, as we ve always done. As riders. Riding with other riders. Thousand of hours, countless road tests, millions of miles. Looking for the technology Message from Motor City Harley-Davidson: Michigan's largest selection of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles at Harley-Davidson FLHTCU - Electra Glide Ultra Classic 119102477 Harley History 1903 The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle is manufactured 1905 The "Silent Grey Fellow" nickname coincides with the new standard grey color.

1907 The first Harley-Davidsons sold for police duty 1909 First "V-Twin" engine 1914 Stepstarter and internal expanding rear brake 1915 Three speed transmission 1916 The first issue of "The Enthusiast" publication 1922 74" Twin engine debuts 1928 Front wheel brake appears 1929 WL 45" Twin engine 1932 45" Servicar 1936 80" Side Valve Twin engine and the first "Knuckle Head" 61" engine 1937 William A.

Davidson dies 1941 74" OHV Super Power engine 1942 Walter Davidson dies at age 65 1943 Bill Harley dies at age 66 1947 74" OHV Big Twin engine 1948 74" "Panhead" engine is introduced 1949 The Hydra-Glide debuts 1950 Arthur Davidson dies at age 69 1957 XLH Sportster 1958 The Hydra-Glide turns into the Duo-Glide 1959 XLCH Sportster 1960 The "Topper," a fiberglass motorscooter, was introduced. 1960 Harley-Davidson teams up with Italian manufacturer Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A. to produce a line of smaller bikes including the Shortster and Sprint models. 1965 The Electra-Glide debuts 1965 George Roeder sets a world land speed record (177.225 m.p.h.) for 250 cc motorcycles on a much modified Harley-Davidson Sprint.

1965 After being privately held for over 60 years, Harley-Davidson goes public. 1966 The introduction of the "shovel head" engine 1967 Electric start Sportster 1969 Merger with American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF) 1971 FX 1200 Super Glide 1972 1000 cc XLH/XLCH Sportster 1972 First disc brakes on a Harley 1977 FXS 1200 Low Rider and FLHS 1978 75th Anniversary models 1978 First electronic ignition on a Harley 1979 FXS 80 Low Rider 1980 FLT rubber mounted engine 1981 Senior executives at Harley-Davidson purchase the company from AMF. Harley-Davidson once again becomes a privately owned company. 1983 President Reagan imposes additional tariffs on all Japanese motorcycles 700 cc or larger. 1983 The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is established.

1984 The Introduction of the "Evolution" engine 1984 First Softail models and Air Assisted Anti-Drive 1986 By offering common stock and subordinated notes, Harley-Davidson once again becomes a publically owned corporation. 1987 In an unprecedented move, Harley-Davidson petitions the ITC for early termination of the five year tariff imposed in 1983. 1988 Patented "Springer" front-end returns 1990 Dyna model is introduced 1991 All Harleys change to five speed transmission 1992 All Harleys adopt a belt drive 1992 Harley-Davidson buys a minority interest in the Buell Motorcycle Company 1993 "90th Anniversary" homecoming in Milwaukee 100,000 est. parade 1995 First fuel injection models 1998 Harley-Davidson buys a remaining 49% interest in Buell Motorcycle Company 1998 Harley-Davidson celebrates its 95th Anniversary.

140,000 plus riders are warmly received by Milwaukee to help with the celebration 2001 Harley introduces the V-Rod By Cycle World posted Dec 20th, 2012 at 4:14pm Harley-Davidson If body art is a reliable indicator, probably no other motorcycle in history enjoys the devoted following of Harley-Davidson. Because like, if you’ve got Harley’s bar-and-shield logo on your shoulder, how could you ever ride a Hyosung ? The Motor Company hit a sweet spot 30 years ago when the Evolution V-twin engine debuted, and now the Milwaukee firm launches its first liquid-cooled pushrod Big Twin. The CVO Limited gets a 110ci version, while the Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Ultra Limited and Tri Glide Ultra receive a 103ci version. The broader 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lineup still ranges from the Sportster SuperLow up to factory-customized CVO models. Just about every cruiser style can be found in between, including the muscular Dyna models, the low-slung Softail, the overhead-camshaft V-Rod, and five touring variants.

Check out the latest new Harley motorcycles and their entry-level new Street 500 and 750 machines. Browse 2017 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Harley-Davidson Road King News, Reviews, Photos and Videos ##BANNER|357## Harley-Davidson Road King The Harley-Davidson Road King is a classic cruiser motorcycle in every respect, combining Harley heritage styling with long-range touring motorcycle comfort. The first FLHR Road King debuted in 1994, replacing the FLHS Electra Glide Sport. On the original model, the Road King featured a nostalgic full-dresser-style headlight cover first seen on the Big Twins of the 1960s and a signature H-D five-gallon Fat Bob fuel tank with twin gas caps. The ’94 Road King’s simple handlebar-mounted windshield and saddlebags were other styling cues reminiscent of the old Electra Glides. The windshield and passenger seat were easily removed to create a clean solo-cruiser motorcycle look The Harley-Davidson Road King is a classic cruiser motorcycle in every respect, combining Harley heritage styling with long-range touring motorcycle comfort. Since its inception, the Road King has been a favorite among fans of The Motor Company.

And while Harley-Davidson hasn’t messed much with its aesthetics, the big V-Twin’s performance has continually evolved. In 1995, a fuel-injected FLHRI was added to the model range, while in 2002 it received a new swingarm and uprated rear suspension. Its engine has grown from the original 1340cc powerplant to the 1450cc Twin Cam in 1999 to the 1584cc Twin Cam 96 it now sports. The 2009 Road King features a redesigned frame, new 2-1-2 exhausts, a rubber-mounted, air-coooled 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine, and classic styling cues like full-length rider and passenger floorboards, a detachable Lexan windshield, and injection-molded GTX hard saddlebags. It also comes in a dressier version called the Road King Classic. Latest News

Question: Which motor cycle company made a model called the Electra Glide?
Answer: Harley Davidson